Rising numbers of Qlders self-medicating ADHD symptoms with highly addictive cocaine

Queenslanders are forking out $350 a gram on cocaine to self-medicate for an undiagnosed disorder triggering major health warnings from psychiatrists.

Rising numbers of Queenslanders are self-medicating ADHD symptoms with highly addictive cocaine, psychiatrists warn.

And most of the users are unaware they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but are simply seeking relief from impulsivity, restlessness, inattentiveness, forgetfulness and poor organisational skills.

Ashlea White, consultant psychiatrist at The Banyans Health and Wellness in Brisbane told The Courier-Mail that when patients seek help for substance abuse they are tested for ADHD and relieved to find a reason for their behaviours.

“As a clinician, there is an understanding that there is a high correlation between substance use disorders and ADHD. Therefore, it is always screened for at our practice. Often, a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD is made in this cohort of patients,” Dr White said.

There are barriers to getting a diagnosis of ADHD in the state with long waits to see psychiatrists.

In the short term cocaine use can trigger a build-up of dopamine, one of the main

neurotransmitters involved in motivation and learning.

“Cocaine is a very addictive substance, as the abrupt dopamine increase is associated with pleasure and reward. What may start as a means of alleviating symptoms may easily become a dependency. Appropriate prescription of ADHD stimulant medication has the ability to

dramatically reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life of afflicted individuals,” Dr White said.

The cost of cocaine has increased to about $350 a gram or more.

With cocaine costing upwards of $350 a gram this method of self-medicating can also put a severe pressure on finances, yet research shows that cocaine usage is more prevalent among the average workers.

Lifetime usage of cocaine has increased by 11 per cent since 2019.

Medical director at The Banyans Healthcare, Sampath Arvapalli, said that the casual attitude users have to cocaine could potentially be placing them in increased danger.

“There is this public perception that cocaine is a ‘low risk’ drug, as it is more expensive to obtain, carrying with it a sense of glamour and elite exclusivity,” Dr Arvapalli said.

“In truth, cocaine is a risky drug no matter the context it is used in. As a stimulant, it places massive strain on the cardiovascular system, as an individual’s body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate increase, creating an increased risk of stroke, cardiac arrest and seizures.

“In the long term, physical effects of cocaine use include damage to the nose and respiratory system, as well as increased risk of blood clots, aneurysm, and sexual dysfunction. Mental effects can also occur, with some users also experiencing mental health issues such as depressions or psychosis,” he said.

Originally published as Rising numbers of Qlders self-medicating ADHD symptoms with highly addictive cocaine